Lotus Pond Scenic Area Introduction
The scenic Lotus Pond, located in the Zuoying District, has profound Eastern meanings. It is nestled between Guishan Mountain to the south and Banping Mountain to the north. During the Qing Dynasty, the pond was filled with lotus flowers, releasing a fragrant scent every summer, earning it the reputation of "Fragrant Lotus of Pan Water" and making it one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Fengshan during that era. The iconic "Dragon and Tiger Pagoda" by the pond allows visitors to feel the impact of Eastern religious culture and has been specially recommended by CNN, making it one of the most traditional religious scenic spots in Kaohsiung City. There are over 20 temples around Lotus Pond, with the most famous being the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda, Spring and Autumn Pavilion, Beiji Xuantian Shangdi, and the Confucius Temple. Among them, the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda is the favorite of international travelers and is a must-visit attraction in Kaohsiung. CNN featured the "Dragon and Tiger Pagoda of Lotus Pond" in its list of "10 reasons to love Kaohsiung" in 2014, particularly highlighting its ability to dispel calamities. The Dragon and Tiger Pagoda was built in 1976, standing seven stories tall, with an entrance through the dragon's mouth and an exit through the tiger's mouth. The interior of the dragon tower features Kuci pottery depicting admonitory tales, crafted by a renowned artist. The pagoda and the Nine-Curve Bridge connect, reflecting beautifully on the lake surface. It is said that there are rules for visiting the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda: one must enter through the dragon’s mouth and exit through the tiger’s mouth, symbolizing "entering the dragon’s throat and exiting the tiger’s mouth," which is believed to bring good fortune and avoid misfortune. From the top of the pagoda, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Lotus Pond. Adjacent to the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda is the Spring and Autumn Pavilion, built in 1953, which has stood for over 60 years. It consists of two Chinese palace-style pavilions, known as "Spring Pavilion" and "Autumn Pavilion," named in honor of Confucius and his work "Spring and Autumn." Each is four stories tall with octagonal shapes, green tiles, and yellow walls, resembling a precious pagoda. The ancient-style shadows of the pagoda reflect in the water and connect with the Nine-Curve Bridge. It was constructed in honor of the martial saint Guan Yu and is considered the finest tower in Taiwan at the time, also referred to as "Imperial Spring and Autumn Pavilion." The Spring and Autumn Pavilion features a dragon-shaped tunnel similar to the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda, allowing travelers to follow the guide into the dragon’s mouth; inside, the tunnel is adorned with colorful paintings that depict many religious tales, with rich detailing that attracts many sincerely devoted visitors. At the front of the Spring and Autumn Pavilion is a statue of Guanyin riding a dragon. According to legend, Guanyin Bodhisattva once rode a dragon to appear in the clouds, instructing followers to build a sacred statue in her form between the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, leading to the present-day statue of Guanyin riding a dragon. The Wuli Pavilion takes its name from "Wuli Mist." Li Shangyin wrote, "Five miles without reason, mist." According to local beliefs, those in a state of confusion are said to be in "Wuli Mist." The Wuli Pavilion stands about two stories high, featuring flying eaves and bright yellow tiles. In the morning, when the dawn light breaks, Lotus Pond is enveloped in mist, making the pavilion appear as though it is floating on the pond's surface. At night, the extended lanterns along the banks radiate a soft glow, creating an otherworldly ambiance. If one climbs the stairs to the second floor of the Wuli Pavilion, they can admire the entire Lotus Pond, which presents a picturesque Eastern charm reminiscent of the beautiful Jiangnan gardens. The Confucius Temple in Zuoying, Kaohsiung City, is the largest in Taiwan, modeled after Northern Chinese palace architecture and inspired by the Qufu Confucius Temple in Shandong. The impressive exterior includes the Dacheng Hall, Dacheng Gate, East and West Wings, Chongsheng Shrine, Lingxing Gate, Li Gate, and more. The temple complex is well-equipped, featuring the Wanren Palace Wall, Pan Pond, and arch bridges. The holy temple was first built in 1684 by County Magistrate Yang Fangsheng but was later damaged by storms and underwent renovations during the Qianlong and Guangxu eras to form the complete structure seen today. Every year on September 28, the Teacher's Day, a grand ceremony is held in honor of Confucius. The Lotus Pond Children's Park is a famous family-friendly attraction in Kaohsiung, moving away from the typical combination play equipment. The park features diverse and locally-inspired playground equipment, making it the first coexisting park in Kaohsiung. The colorful Rainbow Hill includes elements like speaking tubes, pipe tunnels, and climbing walls for children to explore; they can train their coordination on the rope climbing structure in the sandbox area. Recently, a 30-meter long zip line has been added, along with bird's nest swings and balance beams, making it a great place for family fun and learning. Enjoying a slow-paced lifestyle by Lotus Pond is enriched by the surrounding pavilions, giant statues, and city walls, overflowing with a historic atmosphere. The cultural relics, historic sites, old houses, and veteran communities highlight a vibrant lifestyle, where visitors can explore the flavors of Zuoying through local streets and traditional markets. The scenery around Lotus Pond is stunning, with various water activities available for thrill-seeking visitors. The surrounding walking paths not only provide a place for those who wish to enjoy a leisurely stroll across the scenic water but also cater to cyclists who want to traverse the area at their own pace. Lotus Pond Water Ski Theme Park is Taiwan's first internationally-standard cable water skiing venue. Since its opening in 2014, it has attracted over a million tourists and occasionally holds international invitationals, drawing visitors from different countries. During competitions, media coverage highlights the sporting tourism angle, introducing many people to a different aspect of Kaohsiung. PAMMA Coffee is located beside the Yuan Emperor Temple by Lotus Pond, blending environmental ecology with bright white architecture and elegant waterside views. It offers light snacks and beverages, allowing visitors to enjoy coffee and food while taking in the beautiful scenery of Lotus Pond, making it a new attraction for tourists from both domestic and international locations. Mango Cafe (temporarily closed from March 10, 2025, due to renovations at the Confucius Temple) challenges the notion that afternoon tea can only be enjoyed in cafes. Located within the Confucius Temple, Mango Cafe serves affordable coffee drinks and traditional pastries, allowing visitors to fully experience a unique Chinese-style coffee afternoon tea in a vintage ambiance. Zuoing Ciji Temple, commonly referred to as Chenyu Ciji Temple or Zuoying Ciji Temple by locals...
